Evan Carmichael Top Header about About About facebook Twitter YouTube Google+

Always isn’t every time



Free PDF Download
Jumping to Conclusions - By Howard Miller

Name: Email:


How do you interpret it when someone says they always do something?

To demonstrate how easy it is to misinterpret communications I do an exercise in my management skills workshops.

I have everyone write down common words we all use, such as frequently, occasionally, never and always.

I then have them put a number next to each word, from 0 to 100. This number represents the percentage of what they feel the word means.

Naturally, there are a lot of numbers and ranges for words such as frequently and occasionally.

But when I first did this exercise I wrote down 100% for always and 0% for never.

My logic told me if someone says always it means all the time, therefore 100%. And if someone says never they mean not at all, which interprets to 0%.

I was initially surprised when people did not share my logic. Now I know people will not share my logic.

I have done this exercise several hundred times.

I NEVER had every single person pick 100% for always or 0% for never.

And I mean that literally!

People's interpretations of these words have to do with their experiences such as broken promises from others. So they don't take what people say at face value.

What this shows me is how easy it is to have miscommunications. If we interpret the so called easy words how do we manage the more complex?!

When and if I recall how easy it is to interpret everything said:

Miscommunication leads to lack of understanding which leads to frustration. Taking the time to clear it up could take seconds and save hours!

Not always, but sometimes!


Related Articles

  Communication Skills - What we need to be Aware of.
  Find out how to Communicate Effectivly
  Spam: You probably hate it but can you define it?
  What are the 3 biggest challenges faced by supply chain/purchasing professionals today? (Survey Result 15)
  How to succeed in online business
  Article #14 Want To End Your Money Worries Forever?
  Knowing Your Rights with the Media and Press
  Get better results from email newsletters and promotional emails
  A Life of Choice
  $20 or $20.000 From Your Kitchen Table....Can You Solve Benzies Problem?
  The time is right to renovate
  Writing is a Skill. Syndication is an Art.
  Practical and Surprising Methods for Working Capital And Cash Flow Financing For Operating Funds For Canadian Business Owners

Home > Business-Coach > Howard Miller > Always isnt every time >

Free PDF Download
Jumping to Conclusions - By Howard Miller

Name: Email:

About the Author: Howard Miller

RSS for Howard's articles - Visit Howard's website

 Howard Miller teaches management skills to new managers, seasoned managers, entrepreneurs and executives.  He is on the faculty of AMA (American Management Association) and teaches courses including Skills for New Managers, Increasing Managerial Effectiveness, and Successfully Managing People).  Topics include delegation and motivation methodologies, conflict, how to deal with difficult people, understanding values and behavior, feedback and listening skills.

Clients include mid-range to large companies such as the IRS, Blue Cross Blue Shield, IBM, state government, public school districts, and non profit organizations. Howard also does executive and business coaching with the Ken Blanchard organization.

Howard is the author of two book; You're Full of Shift, which contains short stories which demonstrate shifting difficult situations to opportunities and The Manager Trap:  13 ½ Pitfalls to Avoid which showcases common traps and pitfalls managers fall into including using a 4 letter word beginning with F that they should avoid!


Click here to visit Howard's website.
Dashed Line

More from Howard Miller
My employee seems to be sick on Fridays and Mondays
The $64000 Question
What have I learned in 6 months of management Part 4
You didnt say Id be fired
Pretending to know the acronyms

Related Forum Posts

Re: Businesswomen in the news Re: Businesswomen in the news
Re: Old vs New Facebook Re: Old vs New Facebook
No lawyers! No lawyers!
Re: English TV Programme Re: English TV Programme
Opportunity Addict Opportunity Addict

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
Share for a Cause



Worksheets
By: Evan Carmichael

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

8 Powerful Steps to Finding Your Passion

Does your pitch suck?

Create a plan of attach to launch your new business.

8-Cover

Like this page? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Bottom Footer



Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Presenting Yourself With Impact at Work

Top 5 Qualities in an Outsourcing Company

6 Best approach to gain new business

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.